-
Get Croix de fer. If he likes that. And is doing proper touring (but if he's credit card touring, get a carbon road bike and use bike packing system, way better)
Get some nice wheels built.
Put a low trail fork on it if you want.I over took roadie douchbags on mine, loaded up with panniers touring. Both up and down mountains.
It's a good bike. It's the rider that matters.
I really miss mine, was a great everyday bike.
skinny-
Something like this is just what I've got in mind. He wants to do proper self-sufficient touring, so front and rear rack plus a frame engineered for appropriate stresses and strains is a must. I've ridden one of these a few times and they feel pretty bomb-proof so with proper wheels I'm sure they'd do the job. I don't think he'll be racing you up any hills tho - I saw your TCR achievements!
owl
hugo7
Thanks for this - light enough to be enjoyable to ride I think, but Equilibrium isn't well equipped with useful braze-ons and tabs. Would prefer something with more versatility in this regard - i.e. actually having mudguard and rack mounts... Rychtarski is an interesting idea, but I think my dad is probably too traditional and will want to be able to go and try the frame out before buying...